clique Books

Meet Sarahs Aberdeen, Babbitt, Cody, and Trestle. They are the only members of the hottest clique in Kalamazoo: the Sarahs. Well, there used to be another, but she was kicked out because she just wasn't good enough. The Sarahs are all best friends; they do everything with each other, from volunteering to gossip. All they need is each other; at least, that's the way it should be. But the Sarahs have a unique hobby: petty thievery. With one shoplifting attempt gone wrong, the relationship among the Sarahs starts to deteriorate and spin out of control. Each of the Sarahs, especially Sarah T, is willing to do anything to stay a part of this club, but how far will they go?

Crimes of the Sarahs was not what I expected it to be, and that's not necessarily a good thing. I expected this novel to be solely about the crimes of these four friends, but it turned out to be mostly about the individual journey of Sarah T as she comes to terms with how she and her friends have changed. It seemed to me that halfway through the book, the story changed entirely except for the setting. I didn't really like this, and when I finished reading, I felt confused as to what the point of the story was. For soon-to-be-seniors in high school, the Sarahs acted quite immature at some times, and I felt that some of the family problems each Sarah had were just included at the last minute. Overall, I was disappointed with the story.

If you are looking for a fun book to read to entertainment, I would not recommend Crimes of the Sarahs. It did not live up to my expectations and was not as enjoyable and effective as it could've been in conveying its message.

[...]

I was really looking forward to reading this book, I enjoyed Lost It and I was thrilled to see that another book by the author was already out.

At first I was concerned that a book about four Sarahs would confuse me, but that rarely happened, except when it did. I had a hard time remembering who Sarah C and Sarah B were, not because they were similar, but because they were only talked about when they were important to the plot.

The main idea of the book is that Sarah T desperately wants to remain friends with Sarah A. Sarah A is the typical Mean Girl, she acts like your friend but she's more than willing to stab you in the back if it helps her out. And through out the book Sarah T recognizes that, but does nothing about it. She remains friends with Sarah A even after multiple attacks from Sarah A.

I mean, we're talking about the protagonist of a contemporary teen lit novel, she's supposed to have a backbone, right? Or at least gain one through are the twenty some-odd chapters. But, Sarah T doesn't have a backbone by the last page and I was highly disappointed by that. Yes, she says she's doing the right thing by remaining by her friend but Sarah A wasn't a real friend.

Maybe I'm missing the point of the book though.

I still managed to finish the book, because Kristen Tracy is a great author, I just don't agree with the way the book ended or how the book attempted to cover so many topics. I'm still looking forward to Tracy's next book and if you haven't already I really do recommend Lost It, that was fabulous book. Crimes of the Sarahs just didn't measure up.

I bought the book after first reading the description. It is basically a book of 13 stories about it girls. But not just about them. How their lives are, expirences, people who are affected by it girls. It has a very strong message in each story. Teen girls will love reading it because we can relate very much to what's going on in the story. The pages are finely decorated and it's just beautiful.

Fictional stories based on the life of "It Girls," this book takes us through the ups, downs, secrets, gossip, triumphs, tribulations, and general cattiness of life as one of the popular ones. For these It Girls, it doesn't matter who you trample on to get to the top, as long as you get there - and stay there.

These girls use boys like pawns. They keep their friends close only as long as they agree with everything they say, and when they don't, then there's usually some type of scandal involved. They flaunt their bodies, they have mouths like sailors, and they have their parents tricked into believing they're princesses.

THE SECRET LIFE OF IT GIRLS is not a pretty book. It is, supposedly, a fictionalized account of true-life stories. I'm hoping, both as a woman and a parent, that it's not indicative of what so-called "It Girls" are really like. To me, being popular doesn't equate being as downright horrible as the girls in this book are. They're vicious, they're rude, and they are no one that I would want to hang around with - or would want my daughter to hang around with.

I admit that the story is an insightful look into a world that I knew little about. It's also a look into a world that I don't think I WANT to know anything about. It's scary, it's at times horrifying, and, if it really is THE SECRET LIFE OF IT GIRLS, it makes me hope that being one of them never falls onto my daughter's to-do-list.

I have no doubt that this book will appeal to teen girls the world over, whether one of the popular crowd or someone just wishing to be an It Girl. Regardless, this is a candid look into that secret world that will hopefully leave you with something to think about.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

Jordan Roter's CAMP RULES teens of teen 'It' girl Logan, who is spending her final summer as the exclusive Bank One's Alpha Camper until interloper Penny arrives to upstage her. Both of them want Penny to go home - but when they join forces to get her kicked out, an unexpected friendship evolves in this fun story of camp craziness.

Camp really does rule if you've been going to the same one for eight years and now you're the queen bee, but when your parents decide to send you to camp for the first time when you're sixteen, it's a nightmare.

Unfortunately, it's Penny's nightmare.

Not only is she forced into camp, but it's the same camp that the local "It Girl" adores. Logan is extremely unhappy about Penny crashing her party. More than anything, Penny wants to go home, so when Logan demands Penny leaves, she agrees. Logan coerces Penny into a game of rule-breaking to make sure she leaves camp. Penny begins to settle in, even though she's not used to finding herself in trouble. She likes the other girls in the cabin and she likes her new daredevil self. She certainly doesn't want to leave camp, but Logan's made it pretty clear that either she'll get kicked out on her own or Logan will force her out.

CAMP RULES asks the question, "what if the rules of high school were different and you could be friends with anyone regardless of their reputation?"

Relive the carefree days of camp and read this book with a side of s'mores!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

Penny Moore went to bed a fifteen-year-old, and woke-up a sixteen-year-old. Technically, the girl is no longer a child. She finally has the freedom to do more "adult" things. Like drive a car. Or maybe even get a tattoo. But even with her new grown-up attitude, Penny refuses to dispose of her Hello Kitty nightshirt. The same one she's been wearing since 1998, even though it only comes up to her waist. But don't put her on the fashion-don't list just yet. The one thing she's craving are a pair of Seven jeans to ring in her Sweet Sixteen. The jeans retail for a whopping $150, but Penny is convinced that she'll be the lucky reciprocate of them, considering her parents know how much they mean to her. Unfortunately, when she lifts the lid off her gift, the only thing she sees is a collared t-shirt with the letters FLC on it. Penny couldn't be more confused, until her parents reveal that they've given her an all-expenses paid trip to Fern Lake Camp, where she'll be spending eight glorious weeks surrounded by girls she'll be able to bond with. Sure, Penny was dying to attend sleepaway camp - back when she was eight - and can't believe that her parents wasted their hard-earned money on something as trivial as camp, especially when it's the last thing Penny wanted for her Sweet Sixteen. But, seeing the disappointment on her parents faces, Penny gives them an ultimatum. She'll attend Fern Lake for four weeks, then, when Visitors' Day arrives, if she totally hates her summer set-up, she can leave early, and spend the rest of the summer moping around, studying for the SAT's, and searching for a job that will earn her some cold, hard cash. But before Penny even boards the plane that will whisk her away from her Bronx apartment, and deposit her in the wilds of Maine, she realizes that she's made the biggest mistake of her life. For none other than Logan Worthe, Manhattan's It Girl, and the ruler of Penny's school - Lakefield Academy. Logan is known for taking charge of every situation, and keeping all eyes on her, no matter what; which is exactly what Logan does when she arrives at LaGuardia Airport. Penny notes that the girl is Queen of Fern Lake, as well as high school, and plans on avoiding her at all costs - if possible. Unfortunately, that's the last thing Penny is able to accomplish, for she's placed in Bunk One - Logan's bunk - almost instantaneously - and is forced to contend with non-stop cheering, and inane conversations that make her feel as if she's losing IQ points. Logan can sense that Penny despises Fern Lake, and makes a pact with her to get her kicked out before Visitors' Day. Penny is only too happy to comply, figuring she'll be better off at home. And Logan couldn't be happier with the arrangement. After all, she refuses to have a new girl - especially one who knows her reputation from high school - ruin her last summer ever at Fern Lake. But as Penny begins to open herself up to the girls surrounding her, and the fresh outdoors, she begins to see just why Logan is so possessive of Fern Lake, and realizes that she, too, wants to stick around for the summer. But Logan refuses to break their pact, and adds in a little blackmail to ensure that Penny is forced to disappear - STAT!

With her debut novel GIRL IN DEVELOPMENT Jordan Roter proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with within the world of YA literature, by bringing three very important items to the forefront: original ideas, well-developed characters, and a fun plot that made the reader feel as if she - or he - were a part of the story. With CAMP RULES, Roter manages to secure that title, by, once again, penning a novel full of original, fun ideas that speak to the reader; while, at the same time, creating a bevy of characters, whose unique personalities feed off one another, creating an ideal group of unlikely friends. Mixing part Cecily von Ziegesar's IT GIRL, part Melissa J. Morgan's CAMP CONFIDENTIAL, with a splash of the Disney Channel reality show BUG JUICE thrown in for good measure, Roter's CAMP RULES is a novel that is sure to add a little sizzle to your summer. Penny Moore is a wallflower, just looking to bloom into a princess who worries more about studying vocab words for the SAT's, than boys, looking good, and having fun. Penny blends together two different age categories by embracing her inner child - by refusing to get rid of her Hello Kitty nightshirt - and her looming young adulthood. Her determination to remove herself from camp before she has even fully immersed herself within the sleepaway life, and her feelings of being ignored by those around her are quite reminiscent of Sam's character in GIRL IN DEVELOPMENT. Logan, on the other hand, is very similar to the character of Kate in GIRL IN DEVELOPMENT, considering, from the outside, she looks like a girl who has everything - perfect clothes, hair, make-up, tons of money, all the boys - yet she's still not happy because she's forced to contend with absentee parents who hardly know she exists. Both girls present such raw emotion, that borders on vulnerability, for the reader, instantly making it hard to dislike either one of them - no matter how downright nasty their antics get. It doesn't hurt matters any that both Penny and Logan are surrounded by a handful of delightful, Bunk One girls who each have their own, slightly bizarre personalities that make them stand out from the crowd and make them memorable long after the last page is turned. From the food-loving, yet oft-times clueless, Gabby; to the nature-adoring Willow. And Tess, a tennis star looking to leave behind her racket and embrace her true passion, art; to the boy-crazy Missy, and the slightly-sarcastic, yet always fun, Jade. But I can't fail to mention my personal favorite character, Morgan. A precocious - yet utterly adorable nine-year-old - with a penchant for falling down, who happens to be harboring a heart of gold. While many authors bring various characters to the forefront, yet fail to differentiate them in any way, or give them personalities of their own, Roter succeeds in doing just that, making each girl seem like one of your very own pals. As someone who has never attended summer camp, Roter has reinstated my desire to catch the closest bus, and head off for the summer of a lifetime. Her sleepaway expertise makes summer camp sound like the most amazing experience. And, after reading this book, I'm sure camps across the nation will see quite a jump in the numbers of wannabe campers! Certainly a book worth writing home about.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

DON'T GET IT TWISTED
PAULA CHASE

Rating: 4 Enchantments

DON'T GET IT TWISTED is the sequel to the first book in the Del Rio Bay Clique series, SO NOT THE DRAMA.

Mina Mooney's been asked to one of the hottest parties of the year, the Frenzy, by one of the hottest guys at school. Craig Simpson. Only one little problem -- she's not allowed to date until she's fifteen. And her parents aren't exactly willing to let her go to the party, date or no date.

That's where the Clique comes in, they're going to have her back. Her girls are going to be her perfect cover to get to her to Frenzy and more importantly, to her big date with Craig.

But things are never that simple. Aside from the boy drama, Mina now has to tryout for the school newspaper, competing with another student to write a column that was her own idea. Not to be outdone, her clique has their own drama going on. Jacinta has boyfriend problems; JZ's got issues with his schoolwork that could cost him his spot on the basketball team; Kelly's interested in Angel, the hottie hustler from The Cove and the hot new basketball player Brian keeps flirting with Mina, even when she keeps telling him she has a boyfriend.

DON'T GET IT TWISTED shows what high school is like for a lot of teens, the struggle to fit in and make it through the year as unscathed as possible which in Mina's case is pretty impossible.

Readers would probably benefit from reading the first in the series before reading DON'T GET IT TWISTED as I did feel a little lost with the characters at times.

I look forward to reading the continuing stories in the Del Rio Bay Clique series.

Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews

Mina Mooney is back in this second novel of the DEL RIO BAY CLIQUE series, following So Not The Drama: A Del Rio Bay Clique Novel (del Rio Bay Clique Novels).

It's all about the Frenzy, a bumpin' party filled with athletes and held in the most prestigious neighborhood in The Woods. Mina's crush, Craig, has finally come around her way and now she has the invitation she needs. All that stands between her and the party of the century is: her parents. What's up with all these strict dating rules? Can't they see she's not a baby anymore?

But, as usual, Mina's clique has got her back, and they agree to help her find a way to the party. Now, if only there weren't so many other distractions, like the fact that she has to audition to write for the school newspaper, even though she brought her own column idea to the table. And that new kid, Brian, who has already climbed farther up the popularity ladder than she has, even though he just started at Del Rio Bay High. Is he flirting with her? Why does this have to start up now that she's finally got a shot with Craig? High school is hard!

Del Rio Bay is a great setting, brought to life by Paula Chase's wide variety of teenage characters. Every stereotype has its representative, and every representative defies his/her stereotype. These kids are normal. They face normal problems and react realistically to the obstacles in their paths. There is no easy solution, only each character deciding what's right for him or her.

This is the type of book that talks straight and doesn't patronize teen readers. Another novel in the series comes out in June, 2008, so get reading!

Reviewed by: Julie M. Prince

Don't Get it Twisted, by Paula Chase, took me back to ninth grade, all the way back. Mina is still consumed with being the most popular person on campus and what others think of her. But she has bigger issues currently, like whether she will get to write the `Pop Life" column in the newspaper. Even though the idea was hers she still has to compete against someone to do it. She also has to contend with being singled out by Craig to be his girlfriend. She is technically not allowed to date, but there is no way she is not going to be Craig's girlfriend. He is way too hot and popular for her not to make it happen. Even if it means telling little beige lies to her parents, Mariah and Jackson, and getting her friend, Liz, tied up in her drama. She will also have to fight against her attraction to the new basketball superstar, Brian, because while he knows she is Craig's girl, he will not stop trying to get her attention.

While reading this novel, I felt a part of these young people's lives. I particularly enjoyed the way Ms. Chase allowed the parents and educators to play valid roles in the story. Often in young adult books the other parts of the teens' lives are rarely explored. Although this is definitely Mina's story the other characters are fully fleshed out. I especially enjoyed the story about Kelly, who has become involved with hood-boy Angel and how she discovers parallels between her parent's lives and her own.

Don't Get it Twisted is filled with real portrayals of today's teenagers and is written in a language they can understand and relate to. It is also filled with messages for teens and parents. This young adult novel should appeal to all readers who enjoy realistic, diverse books about young people, their issues and the lives they are living.


Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub

Amina Mooney is back with her friends, Lizzie, JZ and Michael; however, she's bringing along Jacinta and Kelly from the soc project to add to the best friend ring. Don't Get It Twisted picks up right where its predecessor So Not The Drama left off. It's still freshman year after Thanksgiving break and while Mouthy Mina still has high hopes of being accepted in the ranks with uppers, she's obsessed with spending time with the girls, the clique and Craig, her crush/possible boyfriend. While Mina is so busy with Craig, Brian (the newest member of their clique) is tossing out some serious flirtatious vibes. Can Mina juggle them both?

Kelly may be one of the newest members of the clique, but it's drama, drama, drama as she learns that her mom and her abuela (grandmother) have kept a major secret from her. While Kelly can forgive them she realizes that she and her mom have a lot in common. Will Kelly be able to ward off the secrets of her mother, or is this going to be a recurring cycle?

Jacinta (a.k.a. Cinny) is also new to the folds of the clique. She and Raheem (a.k.a. Heem) have been seriously dating for two years. Now that she's living in the burbs, Cinny is changing and seeing things differently. Heem is pressing Cinny to remain true to the hood, but while she loves her past, she's enjoying the burbs a lot. Has Jacinta outgrown her past?

Now the clique wouldn't be a clique if some drama didn't ensue around JZ. While he's a super athlete, he's also an awesome student. However, the pressure to maintain a B average and protect his spot on the varsity basketball team causes JZ to put not only himself, but Lizzie in an awkward position. Can JZ right this wrong without jeopardizing his friendships or his starting spot?

Don't Get It Twisted is another winner!!! Teamed with good values, tears, and reminders of genuine friends, this clique grows right before the readers' very eyes. I believe that I enjoy this series because the characters are so real, they have actual problems and fears, and each member of the clique has to deal with the consequences of their actions. I can't wait to read That's What's Up! Paula Chase has written a teen tale that parents can enjoy and feel comfortable with their teens reading.

Who you with???? Rolling with the clique!!!

Reviewed by Nardsbaby
for Urban Reviews

DON'T GET IT TWISTED follows up exactly where its predecessor SO NOT THE DRAMA left off. Amina and her clique are back plus three additions. This time Amina and Craig are getting cozy, but Brian is sure throwing her some nice attention.

DON'T GET IT TWISTED is full of drama, tears and what it means to be a friend. WOW, I've only been out of high school a year, but reading this always makes me feel like I'm right there rollin' with their clique.

I can earnestly say I can't wait to read THAT'S WHAT'S UP!

Reviewed by: Lauren
Teen Reviewer

A little over four years ago I found this book in a bookstore in Hobart, Tasmania. Since I teach high school English, I asked the owner of the store what high schoolers were reading and loving in Australia; without pausing, she walked down an aisle and stopped at this book.

I started reading it on the long plane ride back to the United States and finished it in less than two hours. I'll never forget my kids asking me what was wrong when I finished it, as tears were streaming down my face, and I didn't even know it.

That spring it wasn't being published in the United States yet, but I had to "test" it on my freshmen at the private school where I work, so I ordered a class set from Hobart. Even though it is a "girls' book", my male students easily took to it. It was the perfect book to teach before beginning my poetry unit, too, as we discussed the many awesome poems that Brugman includes. Since then, it has been, hand's down, the most memorable book that my freshman read each year. I even have them find the "Perdita's" in their grade and spend a week reaching out to them as part of a personal project that is shared with no one but me. There is no better book about the importance of being AUTHENTIC, even when it is not the popular thing to do.

I bought this for my daughter as required reading for English and it ended up being her favorite book.

Walking Naked is a good book. The protagonist Megan kind of annoyed me though. Her character and sense of judgement of Perdita is totally wrong, and it's obvious because of the group of friends she hangs out with. They chant, "FREAK! FREAK! FREAK!" at Perdita when she walks past them. Wtf? Megan, in my opinion, was a somewhat typical stereotype of a teenage girl who is all about being in the clique and everything, but acts mean to the ones who are weird.

Walking Naked is a excellent book. Its about Megan whos popular befriending the school outcast Perdita. Megan is soon faced with a choice to chose between her friends in the cool crowd or being an outcast with Perdita. That is one part in the storyline were Perdita acted like a lunatic in front of one of Megan's friends. The ending is shocking and sends a wake up call to Megan. I loved this book. Any teenage girl between the ages of 13-19 should definetly read it.

This novel is based on a teenage girl named Megan Tuw who goes through the troubles of a popular girl in high school. She was one of the leaders in the crowd along with her best friend Candace. Everything was fine untill she got into detention with the freak, the outcast, Perdita Wiguiggan. As time past Megan had become a little distant with her best friend and thought Perdita was pretty interesting. But if she choses to become friends with Perdita, her reputation would be ruined and the whole school would be against her.
I had to read the book for Literature circle and it was one of the books that I actually finished.(teachers don't check if you read it or not.) I love the book because it was very realistic and well written. Definitely worth a read, especially to teenagers. It would teach people a lesson and to think before they act.
This book lost a star because I didn't understand the poems. Since this is mainly a teen read, the poems seemed as if it was to be read by older people. But don't worry, there arn't many poems and they don't affect the way you read the book.
If you havn't read it, I suggest you pick up the book today.

I was either 8 or 9 when I read this book. I read the back of the book and thought it would be OK ,but when I got home I went upstairs to read and I couldn't put it down. That is why I gave this book a 5.

After the amazing fourth Replica book, I was sure the next one would be great too. However, when I noticed it didn't really have to do with the Replica plot, I was nervous about how good it would be. It turned out to be pretty good. Amy Candler has never really bothered with the popular clique. They're all snobs, and Amy didn't want to get into that. However, when mysterious accidents and disappearances start to occur, Amy knows she must figure out why. All signs point to the popular kids...could there be something much more dangerous to them than their personality?

Like I said earlier, the beginning of this book wasn't that interesting. The plot didn't seem that good, and it actually seemed like Amy wasn't the star of the book. I guess I just don't have a thing for secondary characters. Anyway, as I got a little father into the book, I realized that it was really good. Things got much more suspenseful, and I was completely shocked by the ending. I really should have given five stars, if the beginning was a little better. This isn't a must-read for Replica fans, although it's interesting to check out.

This book is more complete than the others are. So far each of the previous books relied on knowledge of the book before it in the series. This one can stand a lone. Amy is the focal point in the investigation of the disappearance of several students. How ever the mystery surrounds a girl that recently returns to school and resumes her position of head of a Secret Clique. Even if you can guess what is happening, following Amy throughout the process is well worth the read. What would you do if you were Amy? It is a mind-bending experience that will keep you under the bleachers.

The fifth book of Amy series is finally mature. In this story,students in twelve-year-old Amy's school,Parkside middle school,were disappearing one by one without reasons.Amy tries hard to get into a school popular clique,which is a strange behavior to everyone-she never belonged to any clique,or wanted to,at the very least,not this kind of clique. This one,with a leader name Melissa Mitchel,who had just recovered from a car accident after months in the hospital to receive treatments and operations,had become extremely creepy and exclusive-something more than "cool".
The thing that makes this book diffenrent from all the others before is that for the first time,the danger had not come directly to Amy herself,and she had to use her extraordinary power to protect her schoolmates and friends against people other than the organization that chased after her forever like an old hunting dog. I think Amy was extremely glad to get rid of those organization people for a while(Me too! It's tiring to think about the organization all the time.).
Eric in this book was more active,and had shown his bright side,and he no long gave people an impression that he was sort of stupid and made people wonder why he could be the boyfriend of such a smart girl. And Tash,as Amy's best friend,was acting pretty good too,though she was so mad at Amy's behavior,she still didn't lose faith in her friend.
It is one of my favorite books in the Amy series. Suppose it won't let you down!
Hope this review is helpful to you!

This is the fifth installment in the Replica seires by Marilyn Kaye about a girl named Amy who finds out she is a ... This book proves the cliques [are bad], even though every school has them. I didnt really enjoy this book as much as the previous ones but it was still good and it still needs to be read to understand the series. Recommended.